First-Time Cruisers

Can I afford a cruise?

If you can afford to take a hotel-based vacation, you can afford to take a cruise. There are cruises available at a range of prices -- from budget to luxury -- and all represent perhaps the best value for your vacation dollar.

What do I get for my money?

Your cruise price includes your cabin, all meals, entertainment, parties and, of course, all transportation between all the ports on your itinerary. On most ships, alcoholic beverages and optional shore excursions are not included in the basic price.

Will I feel bored or confined on board?

Never! Think of a cruise ship as a floating resort. Onboard activities begin at dawn and go into the wee hours of the night. The scenery is constantly changing, and every port is filled with new and exciting opportunities for exploration.

What can I do on a ship?

That depends on the ship, but generally the larger ships will have the most activities. You may wish to lounge on deck by the pool with a good book, sign up for exercise or cooking classes, swim, play bingo, bridge or gamble in the casino, take in a Broadway-style floor show or a magician's act, enter a talent show or a putting contest, take a dance class, get a massage or attend a lecture.

Is airfare included in my cruise price?

Cruise lines usually offer both a cruise-only price and an AIR/SEA price that includes connecting airfare, transfers between the airport and ship and baggage handling. In some instances, only the cruise-only fare is available. The prices shown on our site are typically cruise-only, but our cruise counselors will gladly provide an air-inclusive price if requested.

What's a shore excursion?

That's a term that refers to organized activities off the ship, in port, that are typically purchased from the cruise line.

Are all cruise ships that visit Costa Rica the same?

Absolutely not. They range from vessels with less than 150 passengers to megaships with a maximum capacity of 3,700 people.

Will I need a passport?

All cruises now require proof of citizenship. On some itineraries, a certified copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or government-issued photo I.D. are sufficient, on others a passport is required. Visas may also be required on the more exotic itineraries. Your cruise counselor will advise you on documents you will need depending on your itinerary. For more information,click here.

Is a cruise suitable for families with kids?

Your cruise counselor can advise you of the ships sailing to Costa Rica that are not kid-friendly.

Are cruises suitable for single travelers?

Cruising is very popular with single travelers. Some cruise ships offer single cabins, and most offer a single supplement rate for double staterooms.

Are cruises really that popular?

You better believe it! More than 20 million people will cruise in the next year, and cruising routinely earns the highest ratings in customer satisfaction among all vacation categories. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

What is a Day at Sea?

A Day at Sea is a full day spent sailing between two ports. Most cruises include one or more Days at Sea.